Lawyers Must Heal, Not Harm, Says Justice Abodo

The Principal Judge, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, has underscored the transformative role of lawyers as healers in society, calling on future legal professionals to embrace their responsibility with integrity, humanity, and purpose.

Lady Justice Abodo made the remarks as Chief Guest at the Uganda Pentecostal University (UPU) Grotius Annual Lawyers’ Dinner held on Saturday evening at Hotel Africana in Kampala.

The event brought together fourth-year law students, members of the Judiciary, the Uganda Law Society, and academia under the theme, “Lawyers as Healers: The Obligation of the Profession to Serve as Healers of Human Conflicts” (CJ Warren E. Burger, 1982).

Lady Justice Abodo commended the University for organizing an event that bridges legal education and practice, describing the theme as both timely and globally relevant.

“The theme is on point. It reflects the conversation we are having today not only in Uganda, but globally. I want to thank my sister, the Acting Chief Registrar, that was a powerful keynote address,” he said.

Lady Justice Abodo emphasized that the dinner was more than a social gathering, but rather a platform for intellectual engagement and professional growth.

“This is not only a dinner; it is a space where you can pick each other’s minds, exchange ideas, and build professional networks,” she said.

Lady Justice Abodo described law as both demanding and impactful, placing practitioners at the core of justice delivery.

“Law is a demanding profession. It is also double-edged—it can be used to heal, or it can be used to harm,” she said.

Lady Justice Abodo urged students to remain conscious of the power and responsibility they carry as they transition into legal practice.

Delivering the keynote address, the Acting Chief Registrar, Pamella Lamunu Ocaya, described the occasion as both a celebration and a moment of reflection for the aspiring lawyers.

“It is an honour to be here with you today,” she said, acknowledging the significance of addressing a room filled with future legal professionals.

“It is much easier to cross-examine a witness than to decide what to say to a room full of brilliant future colleagues,” she added.

Sharing her personal journey, Lamunu spoke of her upbringing in Gulu City in Northern Uganda, a region once affected by conflict, and her rise from a humble background to serving in the top management of the Judiciary as a mother and wife.

Lamunu described the evening as marking a transition beyond academic achievement into a higher calling.

“You are stepping into a role as custodians of justice,” she said, urging students to reflect not only on what lawyers do, but on who they ought to be.

Expounding on the theme, Lamunu noted that while the legal profession is often perceived as adversarial, true lawyering extends beyond winning and losing cases.

“Beneath every case file is something deeply human—conflict, pain, fear, and sometimes injustice. That is where the deeper calling of the lawyer begins,” she said.

Throughout her address, Lamunu emphasized the importance of humanity and humility, urging future lawyers to always see the person behind every case file. She also highlighted Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), particularly mediation, as a critical avenue for resolving disputes and restoring relationships.

“If you are engaged in mediation, you are playing the role of a healer. It is not just about resolving a dispute, but about restoring relationships, dignity, and trust,” she said.

Lamunu reminded students that the legal profession will place them in positions where individuals are at their most vulnerable.

“Your role will not only be to argue, but to listen; not only to advocate, but to understand; not only to win, but to do what is right,” she said.

Lamunu further encouraged students to reflect on their academic journey and celebrate their accomplishments, noting that their presence at the dinner reflected years of discipline, sacrifice, and resilience.

However, she cautioned against prioritizing profit over principle, urging them instead to uphold the moral authority of the profession.

“Healing requires humanity, humility, courage, and hope,” she said.